Sunday, December 25, 2016

Eight Kinds of Light

Each night for eight nights one more light is kindled, at
the darkest time of the year, until nine candles burn brightly in our windows
or on our tables. Candlelight is the heart of Hanukkah.

What do the eight lights over the eight days mean? What do
they represent? What might be the meaning of the increasing light throughout the
holiday?

The potential answers are myriad. One way to answer the
question is to consider each candle as representing a different source of external
light in partnership with a different aspect of inner light, creating eight
pairs of physical/spiritual light to consider during Hanukkah.

Here’s one such set to consider:

First Lights: Sunlight and Gratitude (Hodayah)

The light of the Sun provides all the energy needed to fuel
life on Earth. The light and heat of the Sun make it possible for all kinds of life—algae,
grass, elephants, maple trees, humans, and everything in between—to exist and
to thrive. That’s a lot to be grateful for!

Second Lights: Starlight and Faith (Emunah)

The Universe contains roughly a billion trillion stars (1
with 21 zeros after it!) that burn as fiercely as our Sun, or more so. The
stars’ apparent tininess is a result of their distance from us, for many are far
larger than our Sun. Stars are a reminder of the enormity of the Universe
through both space and time. The candle burning in our window is but a blip on
the screen of billions of years and trillions of miles. We are miniscule in comparison
to the vastness of time, space, and substance that is beyond human
comprehension. In this context, stargazing can bring forth a sense of deep
faith.

Third Lights: Moonlight and Humility (Anavah)

Despite shining brightly in the nighttime sky, the Moon does
not give off any light of its own. The moonlight perceived here on Earth is
primarily light from the Sun that is reflected off the Moon’s surface, with a
little bit of reflected starlight added in. We can learn from the Moon about
moving away from the brightest spots in order to reflect light from others, fostering
humility.

Fourth Lights: Firelight and Wisdom (Chochmah)

Fires can be lit intentionally or accidentally or can result
from lightning strikes or lava flows. Fires burn hot and can be dangerous and
destructive, but fire also provides needed warmth, as well as heat for cooking.
Knowledge, experience and thoughtfulness wrapped up into wisdom can help keep
the fires in our lives, both literal and figurative, within meaningful and safe
parameters.

Fifth Lights: Lightning Light and Strength (Koach)

Lightning is an electrostatic discharge that leaps from
cloud to cloud or from a cloud to the ground, causing the familiar flash of bright
light and deep rumbling sounds. Lightning is potent; it can split a tree or
start a fire, and a single bolt contains enough energy to power about 50 houses
for a day. Personal strength can come from many sources, some slow-moving and
some sudden and powerful, like a lightning blot, and can provide the
wherewithal to keep going through the myriad challenges of life.

Sixth Lights: Candlelight and Compassion (Rachamim)

A candle gives off very little light, but is usually kindled
with intentionality and a search for meaning, comfort, connection, or
inspiration. Even the light of one small candle dissipates the darkness. So,
too, the compassion of our hearts can light up the dark days of those around
us, transforming their experience and awakening them to previously hidden
blessings.

Seventh Lights: Lamplight and Integrity (Osher)

Most lamps are fueled by electricity, and most electricity
is formed through the burning of fossil fuels, extracted from beneath the
surface of the Earth and then sending carbon into the atmosphere when burned.
Awareness of the source of the energy for our lamplight can foster a sense of
integrity as we become more thoughtful about the amount of light allowed to be
given forth in our homes, cars, and businesses.

Eighth Lights: Firefly Light and Love (Ahavah)

Fireflies contain a compound in their abdomens that reacts
with incoming air to create the memorable glow of a firefly. By regulating the
airflow, these nighttime insects create a pulsating pattern. One function of
the light is to signal a firefly’s search for a mate – a light-filled insect
love message. We, too, can spread love when we allow ourselves to light up from
within.

This is just one example of finding meaning in the Hankkah
candles beyond what is readily perceived. What other external/internal or
physical/spiritual light pairs are meaningful to you this Hanukkah?

by Rabbi Katy Z. Allen I teach a class called Loss & Transformation: Connecting Sacred Texts to Family Stories to Help Deal with Lo...

Ma'yan Tikvah - A Wellspring of Hope

Ma'yan Tikvah is a congregation without walls in Wayland, MA, that holds services outdoors year round. It is a place of hope and trust for those seeking a meaningful connection to Judaism through study, prayer, experiences of nature, care of the environment, and social justice. Founded and guided by Rabbi Katy Z. Allen, Ma'yan Tikvah provides a place to explore Judaism in an informal and inclusive setting.